Printing system, printing system control method, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

A printing system includes a printing apparatus that prints an image on a sheet, a sheet processer that executes sheet processing, and a sheet detection sensor that detects a sheet on which the sheet processing is performed not in association with the printing of an image, where the printing of an image is restricted in response to detection of a sheet by the sheet detection sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/928,663, filed Mar. 22, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/977,241, filed Dec. 21, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.9,955,030, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2014-263178, filed Dec. 25, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporatedby reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a printing systemthat performs processing on a sheet.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, sheet processing apparatuses configured to performprocessing on a sheet are known. Specific examples of known processingperformed on a sheet include binding processing (stapling) for binding aplurality of sheets together with a staple, stapleless bindingprocessing for binding a plurality of sheets together by swaging thesheets without a staple, punching processing for punching a sheet, etc.The foregoing processing will be referred to as “sheet processing.”

One example of the sheet processing apparatuses is a sheet processingapparatus that is connected to a printing apparatus configured to printan image on a sheet when the sheet processing apparatus is used. In thecase where the sheet processing apparatus and the printing apparatus areconnected to each other, the sheet processing apparatus is connected onthe downstream side of the printing apparatus in a direction in which asheet is conveyed. The sheet processing apparatus receives from theprinting apparatus a sheet on which an image is printed, and performssheet processing on the sheet.

Further, there is known a sheet processing apparatus capable ofperforming sheet processing not in association with the printing of animage by a printing apparatus as well as performing sheet processing inassociation with the printing of an image by the printing apparatus.Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2014-162590, 2011-003005, and2006-264978 each discuss a printing system that includes both a functionto perform sheet processing in association with the printing of an imageby a printing apparatus and a function to perform sheet processing notin association with the printing of an image by the printing apparatus.

In a sheet processing apparatus connected to a printing apparatus, whensheet processing is to be performed on a sheet set directly on the sheetprocessing apparatus by a user, there may be a conflict between thesheet processing and the conveyance of a sheet from the printingapparatus. More specifically, when the sheet processing is to beperformed on the sheet set directly on the sheet processing apparatus bythe user, if a printed sheet is conveyed from the printing apparatus,the operation of the user may be disturbed. Further, the sheet setdirectly on the sheet processing apparatus by the user may collide witha sheet conveyed from the printing apparatus to cause a jam error.

The foregoing are not considered in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open Nos. 2014-162590 and 2011-003005. On the other hand, JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-264978 discusses an apparatusincluding a first conveying path used when post-processing is performedand a second conveying path used when the post-processing is notperformed, in which when a manual mode for performing thepost-processing not in association with the printing of an image is set,the conveyance of a sheet to the first conveying path is restricted.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-264978,however, the change to the manual mode is executed at the press of astart switch by a user. Thus, the press of the start switch is requiredto execute sheet processing on a sheet set directly on a sheetprocessing apparatus by the user, which is inconvenient for the user.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention are directed to a printing system, aprinting system control method, and a storage medium that restrict theprinting of an image without requiring a user to perform a complicatedoperation when sheet processing is performed not in association with theprinting of an image.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a printing systemincludes a printing unit configured to print an image on a sheet, asheet processing unit configured to execute sheet processing, adetection unit configured to detect a sheet on which the sheetprocessing is executed by the sheet processing unit not in associationwith printing of an image by the printing unit, and a control unitconfigured to restrict the printing of an image by the printing unit inresponse to detection of a sheet by the detection unit.

Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view illustrating a printing systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views illustrating an example of aconnection between a printing apparatus and a sheet processing apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of a stapler of a sheet processingapparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a control systemof a printing apparatus and a sheet processing apparatus according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5 (5A and 5B) is a flow chart illustrating operations of a sheetprocessing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations of a printing apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed on aprinting apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 8 (8A and 8B) is a flow chart illustrating operations of a sheetprocessing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating operations of a printing apparatusaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be describedin detail below with reference to the drawings. Aspects of the presentinvention are not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments and notall the combinations of features described in the exemplary embodimentsare always essential to a technical solution provided by aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view illustrating an entire printing systemincluding a sheet processing apparatus 50 according to a first exemplaryembodiment and a printing apparatus 1 to which the sheet processingapparatus 50 is connected. While the sheet processing apparatus 50 andthe printing apparatus 1 are described as separate apparatuses in thepresent exemplary embodiment, an entire apparatus including the sheetprocessing apparatus 50 may be referred to as a printing apparatus, oran entire apparatus including the printing apparatus 1 may be referredto as a sheet processing apparatus.

The printing apparatus 1 is roughly divided into two devices, i.e., ascanner 2 and a printer 3. The scanner 2 reads an image on an originaldocument to generate image data. The printer 3 forms an image on asheet. An upper part of the scanner 2 includes a platen glass 4including a transparent glass plate. An original document D set in apredetermined position on the platen glass 4 with an image to be readfacing downward is pressed and fixed by a document pressing plate 5. Alamp 6 and optical system components including reflection mirrors 8, 9,and 10 are provided under the platen glass 4. The lamp 6 applies lightto the original document D, and the reflection mirrors 8, 9, and 10guide reflection light to an image processing unit 7. The lamp 6 and thereflection mirrors 8, 9, and 10 are moved at a predetermined speed toscan the original document D.

The printer 3 includes a photosensitive drum 11, a primary chargingroller 12, a rotary development unit 13, an intermediate transfer belt14, a transfer roller 15, a cleaner 16, etc. An electrostatic latentimage is formed on a surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by laserlight applied by a laser unit 17 based on image data generated byreading an image on the original document D. The primary charging roller12 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 beforethe application of the laser light.

The rotary development unit 13 attaches magenta (M) toner, cyan (C)toner, yellow (Y) toner, and black (K) toner to the electrostatic latentimage formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 to form atoner image. The toner image developed on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 11 is transferred onto the intermediate transferbelt 14, and the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transferbelt 14 is transferred by the transfer roller 15 onto a sheet S. Thecleaner 16 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 11 afterthe transfer of the toner image.

The rotary development unit 13 employs a rotary development method,includes developing units 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C, and can be rotated bya motor (not illustrated). When a monochrome toner image is formed onthe surface of the photosensitive drum 11, the developing unit 13K isrotated and moved to a development position near the photosensitive drum11 to perform development. When a full-color toner image is formed, therotary development unit 13 is rotated to position each of the developingunits 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C in the development position andsequentially perform development for the respective colors.

The sheet S onto which the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt14 is transferred is fed from a cassette 18 or a manual sheet-feedingtray 20 to a transfer position. A fixing unit 19 is provided on thedownstream side of the transfer roller 15 in a conveying direction tofix the toner image on the conveyed sheet S. The sheet S on which thetoner image is fixed is discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 21from the printing apparatus 1 to the sheet processing apparatus 50located on the downstream side in the conveying direction.

The sheet processing apparatus 50 is connected to a sheet dischargeposition of the printing apparatus 1 and is communicable with theprinting apparatus 1 via a signal line (not illustrated). The sheetprocessing apparatus 50 communicates with the printing apparatus 1 tooperate in cooperation with the printing apparatus 1. The sheetprocessing apparatus 50 includes staplers 51 and 52 for binding togethera plurality of sheets S discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 21.The stapler 51 binds together the plurality of sheets S with a staple.On the other hand, the stapler 52 binds together the plurality of sheetsS without a staple. The stapler 51 is movable as described below withreference to FIG. 3 and can execute binding processing at a plurality ofpositions. On the other hand, the stapler 52 is fixed in one position.Alternatively, the stapler 52 may be configured to be movable. Further,a puncher for punching a sheet, etc. may also be included in addition tothe staplers.

The sheet processing apparatus 50 includes a sheet detection sensor 56and a sheet alignment unit 57. The sheet detection sensor 56 detects theexistence of the sheet S, and the sheet alignment unit 57 aligns thesheets S. The sheet processing apparatus 50 detects with the sheetdetection sensor 56 the sheet S conveyed to the sheet alignment unit 57and executes binding processing (stapling) with the stapler 51 orbinding processing (stapleless binding) with the stapler 52 according toa user specification.

Further, the sheet processing apparatus 50 includes an offline staplingfunction to execute binding processing not on a sheet fed from thecassette 18 or the manual sheet-feeding tray 20 but on a sheet setdirectly on the sheet processing apparatus 50 by the user. In the caseof using the offline stapling function, the binding processing with astaple by the stapler 51 is executed. A sheet insertion slit 53 is aportion (insertion portion) via which the user using the offlinestapling function inserts a sheet subjected to the processing. The sheetinsertion slit 53 has a form of a slit, and the user inserts a sheetinto the slit. A sheet detection sensor 54 detects the insertion of thesheet in the sheet insertion slit 53.

If the sheet detection sensor 54 detects a sheet, the mode is changed toan offline mode (offline mode is turned on). At the press of anexecution button 55 by the user while the offline mode is on, thestapling processing with the stapler 51 is executed. Further, even ifthe execution button 55 is not pressed, the stapling processing isautomatically executed if the sheet detection sensor 54 continuesdetecting a sheet for a predetermined time.

While the offline mode is on, the printing of an image by the printingapparatus 1 is restricted so that no sheet is conveyed from the printingapparatus 1 to the sheet processing apparatus 50. Further, the executionbutton 55 includes a light emitting diode (LED) that can be lit andblinked, and the lighting or blinking of the LED notifies the user ofthe state of the sheet processing apparatus 50. The lighting of the LEDindicates that the execution button 55 can be pressed (i.e., executionof sheet processing can be instructed). Further, the blinking of the LEDindicates that the sheet processing will be executed soon. Besides thenotification using the LED, a message may be displayed or sound may beoutput to notify the user of the state of the sheet processing apparatus50.

FIGS. 2A and 2B each schematically illustrate an example of a connectionof the sheet processing apparatus 50 to the printing apparatus 1. FIG.2A illustrates an example in which the sheet processing apparatus 50 isconnected to the inside of the body of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 2Billustrates an example in which the sheet processing apparatus 50 isconnected to the outside of the body of the printing apparatus 1. Ineither one of the connection forms, the sheet processing apparatus 50can execute stapling processing on a sheet discharged by the pair ofdischarge rollers 21 of the printing apparatus 1 and can also executestapling processing on a sheet set directly on the sheet processingapparatus 50 by the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of the stapler 51 of the sheetprocessing apparatus 50. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view illustratingthe sheet processing apparatus 50 viewed from the top. A lower side ofFIG. 3 corresponds to a front surface side (front side) of the printingapparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. The stapler 51 is provided to bemovable in a direction of an arrow along a moving path 101. The stapler51 has two roles. One of the roles of the stapler 51 is to performstapling processing on a sheet S1 discharged from the printing apparatus1. The other one of the roles of the stapler 51 is to perform staplingprocessing on a sheet S2 inserted in the sheet insertion slit 53.

To staple the sheet S1, stapling processing needs to be performed at astapling position set by the user. Thus, a stapler moving motor 164(FIG. 4) is driven to move the stapler 51 along the moving path 101 sothat the stapling processing can be performed at any of positions X1, X2. . . , Xn−1, and Xn. Although not illustrated, the stapler 51 is alsoconfigured to be movable in upward and downward directions (verticaldirection).

On the other hand, to staple the sheet S2, the stapling processing needsto be performed on the sheet S2 inserted in the sheet insertion slit 53.However, the sheet insertion slit 53 is in the front surface (frontside) of the sheet processing apparatus 50. Thus, when the staplingprocessing is to be executed on the sheet S2, the stapler 51 is moved toa position M at the front surface side (front side) of the sheetprocessing apparatus 50.

The stapler 51 may hinder the sheet conveyance if the stapler 51 islocated on the path through which the sheet S1 is conveyed. Thus, whenthe stapling processing with the stapler 51 is not executed, the stapler51 is evacuated to a position X0 where the stapler 51 is not likely tohinder the sheet conveyance.

The following describes a configuration of a control system of theprinting apparatus 1 and the sheet processing apparatus 50. FIG. 4 is ahardware configuration diagram illustrating the control system of theprinting apparatus 1 and the sheet processing apparatus 50. In FIG. 4,the printing apparatus 1 includes a control board 59 including a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 161, a power source 60, and an operation unit 65.The sheet processing apparatus 50 includes a control board 58 includinga CPU 162, etc., a sheet detection sensor 54, a stapler positiondetection sensor 165, a stapler motor 163, the stapler moving motor 164,etc.

The CPU 161 of the printing apparatus 1 controls each unit of theprinting apparatus 1. Further, the CPU 161 reads a control programstored in a read-only memory (ROM) 173 to perform control relating tothe sheet processing. A random access memory (RAM) 174 is used as atemporary storage area such as a main memory of the CPU 161, a workarea, etc. While one CPU 161 uses one memory (RAM 173) to executeprocessing specified in a flow chart described below in the printingapparatus 1, any other configuration can be adopted. For example, aplurality of CPUs and a plurality of RAMs or a hard disk drive (HDD) ora solid state drive (SSD) may cooperate to execute processing. Further,a part of the processing described below may be executed by use of ahardware circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), etc.

In a case where insertion of a sheet in the sheet insertion slit 53 isdetected while the printing apparatus 1 and the sheet processingapparatus 50 are in a power saving mode, the CPU 161 functions asfollows.

Specifically, the printing apparatus 1 is remained in the power savingmode, and the sheet processing apparatus 50 is recovered from the powersaving mode. The power source 60 includes a non all-night power source61, an all-night power source 62, a relay A 63, and a relay B 64. Thenon all-night power source 61 is connected to the control board 58 viathe relay A 63 and to the control board 59 via the relay B 64. Theall-night power source 62 is connected to the CPU 161 of the controlboard 59 and to a sensor interface (IF) circuit 71 of the control board58.

The non all-night power source 61 is a power source capable of supplyingpower or stopping the supply of power according to the control by theCPU 161. The all-night power source 62 is a power source configured toconstantly supply power with a power source plug of the printingapparatus 1 inserted in a power source outlet. A main power sourceswitch (SW) 67 is a switch that is operated to turn on or off the powersource of the printing apparatus 1. The operation unit 65 is a userinterface (display, reception unit) for setting various types ofsettings with respect to the printing apparatus 1 and the sheetprocessing apparatus 50. The operation unit 65 includes a power savingSW 66, which is operated to change the printing apparatus 1 to the powersaving mode or recover the printing apparatus 1 from the power savingmode.

The CPU 162 of the sheet processing apparatus 50 is connected to the CPU161 of the printing apparatus 1, and the CPUs 161 and 162 communicatewith each other to detect the states of the printing apparatus 1 and thesheet processing apparatus 50. Further, the CPU 162 reads a controlprogram stored in a ROM 171 to perform control relating to the sheetprocessing. A RAM 172 is used as a temporary storage area such as a mainmemory of the CPU 162, a work area, etc. While one CPU 162 uses onememory (RAM 172) to execute processing specified in a flow chartdescribed below in the sheet processing apparatus 50, any otherconfiguration can be adopted. For example, a plurality of CPUs and aplurality of RAMs or a HDD or a SSD may cooperate to execute processing.Further, a part of the processing described below may be executed by useof a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, etc.

The CPU 162 of the sheet processing apparatus 50 is connected to theexecution button 55, the sensor IF circuits 71, 72, and 73, and motordriving circuits 74, 75, and 76. The CPU 162 controls the respectiveunits of the sheet processing apparatus 50 via the foregoing circuits.The CPU 162 performs control to move the stapler 51 to the position Mwhen the sheet processing apparatus 50 is changed to the power savingmode.

The sheet detection sensor 56 detects whether there is a sheet in thesheet alignment unit 57, and transmits a notification to the CPU 162 viathe sensor IF circuit 72. The sheet detection sensor 54 detects whetherthere is a sheet in the sheet insertion slit 53, and transmits anotification to the CPU 162 via the sensor IF circuit 71. The staplerposition detection sensor 165 is located to face the moving path 101 ofthe stapler 51 (refer to FIG. 3) and detects the position of the stapler51. Further, the stapler position detection sensor 165 notifies the CPU162 of a detection result via the sensor IF circuit 73.

The stapler motor 163 is provided in the stapler 51 and driven by themotor driving circuit 75 to drive the stapler 51. In this way, staplingprocessing is performed on the sheet by the stapler 51. The staplermoving motor 164 is driven by the motor driving circuit 74 to move thestapler 51 to an arbitrary position as described above. The position ofthe stapler 51 is controlled by the CPU 162 based on a result of thedetection by the stapler position detection sensor 165.

A stapler motor 166 is provided in the stapler 52 and driven by thedriving circuit 76 to drive the stapler 52. In this way, staplelessbinding processing is performed on the sheet by the stapler 52. At thepress of the execution button 55 by the user, the execution button 55transmits to the CPU 162 a signal corresponding to the press. Further,the lighting or blinking of the LED included in the execution button 55is controlled by the CPU 162.

FIGS. 5 (5A and 5B) is a flow chart illustrating operations of the sheetprocessing apparatus 50 at the time of executing stapling processing ona sheet by the offline stapling function. The CPU 162 of the sheetprocessing apparatus 50 executes a control program stored in the ROM 171to realize each operation (step) specified in the flow chart of FIGS. 5(5A and 5B).

In step S501, whether a sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor54 is determined. If it is determined that a sheet is detected (YES instep S501), the processing proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, ifit is determined that no sheet is detected (NO in step S501), the CPU162 waits until a sheet is detected.

In step S502, the offline mode is turned on. When the offline mode isturned on, the printing of an image by the printing apparatus 1 isrestricted. In step S503, the LED of the execution button 55 is turnedon. By seeing the lighting of the LED of the execution button 55, theuser can recognize that the execution button 55 can be pressed (aninstruction to execute sheet processing can be given). Since the pressof the execution button 55 is not detected until the operation in stepS503 is performed, even if the execution button 55 is pressed before theoperation in step S503 is performed, no stapling processing is executed.In step S504, a timer provided to the sheet processing apparatus 50 isstarted.

In step S505, whether the execution button 55 is pressed is determined.If it is determined that the execution button 55 is pressed (YES in stepS505), the processing proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that the execution button 55 is not pressed (NO in stepS505), the processing proceeds to step S506. In step S506, it isdetermined whether an elapsed time measured by the timer started in stepS504 has reached a predetermined time T1. If it is determined that theelapsed time has reached the predetermined time T1 (YES in step S506),the processing proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined timeT1 (NO in step S506), the processing proceeds to step S507. While thepredetermined time T1 is three seconds in the present exemplaryembodiment, the predetermined time T1 may be any time period other thanthree seconds and may be changed and set by the user. In step S507,whether a sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 54 isdetermined. If it is determined that a sheet is detected (YES in stepS507), the processing returns to step S505. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that no sheet is detected (NO in step S507), the processingproceeds to step S516.

In the case where the processing proceeds from step S505 to step S508,sheet processing is (manually) executed in response to a user operation.On the other hand, in the case where the processing proceeds from stepS506 to step S508, sheet processing is (automatically) executed inresponse to an elapse of a predetermined time. A possible case where theprocessing proceeds from step S507 to step S516 is a case where the usersets a sheet once, but changes the user's mind not to execute staplingprocessing and removes the sheet, etc.

In step S508, the blinking of the LED of the execution button 55 isstarted. By seeing the blinking of the LED of the execution button 55,the user can recognize that the sheet processing will be executed soon.In step S509, a timer provided to the sheet processing apparatus 50 isstarted. This timer may be the same as or different from the timer thatis started in step S504. In the case of using the same timer, processingto reset the timer is required when the processing proceeds from stepS508 to step S509.

In step S510, it is determined whether an elapsed time measured by thetimer started in step S509 has reached a predetermined time T2. If it isdetermined that the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time T2(YES in step S510), the processing proceeds to step S512. On the otherhand, if it is determined that the elapsed time has not reached thepredetermined time T2 (NO in step S510), the processing proceeds to stepS511. While the predetermined time T2 is one second in the presentexemplary embodiment, the predetermined time T2 may be any time periodother than one second and may be changed and set by the user.

In step S511, whether a sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor54 is determined. If it is determined that a sheet is detected (YES instep S511), the processing returns to step S510. On the other hand, ifit is determined that no sheet is detected (NO in step S511), theprocessing proceeds to step S516. A possible case where the processingproceeds from step S511 to step S516 is a case where the predeterminedtime T1 has elapsed since the sheet was set by the user or a case wherethe user presses the execution button 55 once, but changes the user'smind not to execute stapling processing and removes the sheet, etc.

In step S512, the CPU 162 causes the stapler 51 to execute staplingprocessing on a plurality of sheets set in the sheet processingapparatus 50 (a plurality of sheets inserted in the sheet insertion slit53). In step S513, the LED of the execution button 55 is turned off. Instep S514, the offline mode is turned off to cancel the printingrestriction. In other words, the printing restriction is cancelled inresponse to the completion of the stapling processing in the offlinemode.

In step S515, whether a sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor54 is determined. If it is determined that no sheet is detected (NO instep S515), the processing returns to step S501. On the other hand, ifit is determined that a sheet is detected (YES in step S515), the CPU162 waits until the sheet detection sensor 54 no longer detects a sheet.The condition that the sheet detection sensor 54 no longer detects asheet is set as a condition for returning to step S501 so thatre-execution of the stapling processing at the same position on the samesheet is prevented in a case where the sheet is still set even after thestapling processing is executed. In step S516, the LED of the executionbutton 55 is turned off. In step S517, the offline mode is turned off tocancel the printing restriction, and then the processing returns to stepS501.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operations of the printing apparatus1 at the time of receiving a job execution instruction. The CPU 161 ofthe printing apparatus 1 executes a control program stored in the ROM173 to realize each operation (step) specified in the flow chart of FIG.6.

In step S601, whether the offline mode of the sheet processing apparatus50 is on is determined. This determination is performed by performinginquiry from the printing apparatus 1 to the sheet processing apparatus50. If it is determined that the offline mode is on (YES in step S601),the processing proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that the offline mode is not on (NO in step S601), theprocessing proceeds to step S603. In step S602, a message indicatingthat the offline mode is on is displayed.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a main menu screen which is anoperation screen displayed on the operation unit 65 of the printingapparatus 1 and on which a list of the plurality of functions of theprinting apparatus 1 is displayed. In step 602, the message “Offlinemode is on” is displayed on a lower part of the main menu screen. Byseeing the message, the user can recognize that the printing iscurrently restricted. The contents of the message are not limited tothat illustrated in FIG. 7 and may be, for example, “Printing isrestricted,” or “Stapling is being executed in the finisher.”

In step S603, a main menu screen that does not include the message“Offline mode is on” is displayed. In the case where the processingproceeds to step S603 with the message “Offline mode is on” beingdisplayed, the message is hidden in step S603.

In step S604, whether a job execution instruction is received isdetermined. The user can give a job execution instruction by pressing astart button included in the operation unit 65 of the printing apparatus1. If it is determined that a job execution instruction is received (YESin step S604), the processing proceeds to step S605. On the other hand,if it is determined that no job execution instruction is received (NO instep S604), the processing returns to step S601.

In step S605, as in step S601, whether the offline mode of the sheetprocessing apparatus 50 is on is determined. If it is determined thatthe offline mode is not on (NO in step S605), the processing proceeds tostep S606. On the other hand, if it is determined that the offline modeis on (YES in step S605), the CPU 161 waits until the offline modebecomes off. The CPU 161 waits in order to restrict the printing whilethe offline mode is on. In step S606, the job, the execution instructionof which has been received, is executed. More specifically, in a casewhere the job is a print job, an image is printed on a sheet.

As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, the printing ofan image by the printing apparatus 1 is restricted in response todetection of a sheet by the sheet detection sensor 54 on which staplingprocessing is performed by the stapler 51 not in association with theprinting of an image by the printing apparatus 1. In this way, theprinting of an image can be restricted without requiring the user toperform a complicated operation in the case where the sheet processingis to be performed not in association with the printing of an image.

A second exemplary embodiment will be described below. In the firstexemplary embodiment, the example is described in which execution of alljobs by the printing apparatus 1 is uniformly restricted in response todetection of a sheet by the sheet detection sensor 54. On the contrary,in the present exemplary embodiment, an example will be described inwhich whether to restrict execution of a job is switched according tothe type of the job. Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, anexample will be described in which a job is not restricted in a casewhere the job is already being executed by the printing apparatus 1 whena sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 54. Only the pointsthat are different from those in the first exemplary embodiment will bedescribed, and other points are similar to those in the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 8 (8A and 8B) is a flow chart illustrating operations of the sheetprocessing apparatus 50 at the time of performing stapling processing ona sheet by the offline stapling function. FIGS. 8 (8A and 8B)corresponds to the flow chart in FIGS. 5 (5A and 5B) described in thefirst exemplary embodiment. The flow chart in FIGS. 8 (8A and 8B) isdifferent from the flow chart in FIGS. 5 (5A and 5B) in that steps S801and S802 are added.

In step S501, whether a sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor54 is determined. If it is determined that a sheet is detected (YES instep S501), the processing proceeds to step S801. On the other hand, ifit is determined that no sheet is detected (NO in step S501), the CPU162 waits until a sheet is detected.

In step S801, whether the printing apparatus 1 is executing a job isdetermined. If it is determined that the printing apparatus 1 isexecuting a job (YES in step S801), the processing proceeds to stepS802. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing apparatus1 is not executing a job (NO in step S801), the processing proceeds tostep S502. In step S802, whether the job being executed is a print jobis determined. If it is determined that the job being executed is aprint job (YES in step S802), the processing proceeds to step S515. Onthe other hand if it is determined that the job being executed is not aprint job (NO in step S802), the processing proceeds to step S502.

In the case where the processing proceeds from step S801 or S802 to stepS502, the offline stapling function can be used, and thus steps S502 toS517 described above with reference to the flow chart of FIGS. 5 (5A and5B) are executed. On the other hand, in the case where the processingproceeds from step S802 to step S515, the offline stapling functioncannot be used, so the offline mode is not turned on (i.e., restrictionof the printing is not performed). Examples of a job other than a printjob include a job of scanning a document and sending image data, a jobof scanning a document and saving image data, etc. These jobs do not usethe sheet processing apparatus 50, so even if any one of these jobs isbeing executed, the offline stapling function can be used.

Since the processing is to proceed not to step S501 but to step S515 inthe case where it is determined that the job is a print job, step S502and the subsequent steps are not performed even if the execution of theprint job is completed with the sheet inserted in the sheet insertionslit 53. In order to execute step S502 and the subsequent steps, thesheet remaining inserted in the sheet insertion slit 53 needs to beremoved and then inserted again. This arrangement is made because it isdifficult for the user to predict the exact timing of the completion ofthe execution of the print job and if stapling processing isunexpectedly executed, an error such as pushing of a staple into anunintended position may occur.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating operations of the printing apparatus1 at the time of receiving a job execution instruction. FIG. 9corresponds to the flow chart in FIG. 6 described in the first exemplaryembodiment. The flow chart in FIG. 9 is different from the flow chart inFIG. 6 in that step S901 is added.

In step S604, whether a job execution instruction is received isdetermined. The user can give a job execution instruction by pressingthe start button included in the operation unit 65 of the printingapparatus 1. If it is determined that a job execution instruction isreceived (YES in step S604), the processing proceeds to step S901. Onthe other hand, if it is determined that no job execution instruction isreceived (NO in step S604), the processing returns to step S601.

In step S901, whether the job, the execution instruction of which hasbeen received, is a print job is determined. If it is determined thatthe job is a print job (YES in step S901), the processing proceeds tostep S605. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is not aprint job (NO in step S901), the processing proceeds to step S606.

Examples of jobs other than a print job include a job of scanning adocument and sending image data, a job of scanning a document and savingimage data, etc. The processing is to proceed from step S801 to stepS606 because these jobs do not use the sheet processing apparatus 50, soeven if the offline mode of the sheet processing apparatus 50 is on, itis not necessary to wait until the offline mode becomes off. Even in thecase where the job is a print job, processing up to print dataprocessing (raster image processor (RIP) processing and imageprocessing) may be performed, and only the processing to print an imageon a sheet may be restricted.

As the foregoing describes, in the second exemplary embodiment, in thecase of using the offline stapling function, whether to restrict theexecution of a job to be executed by the printing apparatus 1 isswitched according to the type of the job. Further, a job is notrestricted in the case where the job (print job) is already beingexecuted by the printing apparatus 1 when a sheet is detected by thesheet detection sensor 54.

While only the stapling processing by the stapler 51 with the use of astaple is described as a target of the offline stapling function in thefirst and second exemplary embodiments, an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention is also applicable to stapleless binding processing bythe stapler 52 without the use of a staple. Further, an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention is also applicable to punchingprocessing by a puncher (not illustrated).

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While aspects of the present invention have been described withreference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that theaspects of the invention are not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing system comprising: a printing unitconfigured to print an image on a sheet; a sheet processing unitconfigured to execute sheet processing; a detection unit configured todetect a sheet on which the sheet processing is executed by the sheetprocessing unit not in association with printing of an image by theprinting unit; and a control unit configured to restrict the printing ofan image by the printing unit in response to detection of a sheet by thedetection unit.